Summary
This study examined potential barriers to mental healthcare use of older adults from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds using data from 2007, 2009, 2011–12, and 2013–14 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) for non-Hispanic white, Black, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic adults aged 55 and older. The study revealed ethnic and racial differences in reasons for not seeking treatment and for terminating treatment. Specifically, API and Hispanic adults had greater odds than NHWs of endorsing feeling uncomfortable talking to a professional as a reason for not seeking treatment.
All respondents, irrespective of race or ethnicity, endorsed that they no longer needed treatment as the most frequent reason for terminating treatment, although specific ethnic and racial differences emerged with respect to perceptions of not getting better, lack of time or transportation, and lack of insurance coverage as reasons for not seeking treatment.
Publication Authors:
- Dara H. Sorkin, PhD
- et al